The Basics of Moving

One of my clients recently suggested I write a book on moving. They had recently bought and sold, and felt overwhelmed with all the things that had to be done.  While I was thankful they felt I was a helpful resource in the process, there was no chance I was writing a book, ever. But a blog on the basics… that’s reasonable. Following are a few basic tips that will hopefully make your move a little easier.

1. My number one rule  - Have a positive attitude!  Of course moving will take a lot of time and a lot of elbow grease, but it is new and exciting. There is simply no reason to fall into the “Moving stinks and let’s just deal with it until it’s done” mentality. Think of this as a great time to revisit all the fun pictures in the back of the bookcase and get rid of all the out of style clothes in your closet.

2. Inspections

If you are also selling a home, and agreed to make repairs as a result of the inspections, keep a folder on the kitchen counter.  In this folder should be a list of what you’ve agreed to do, and a copy of every receipt/work order associated with the list.

3. Garage Sale

This is a great time to de-clutter. Don’t pack and move stuff you never use or won’t need.  Schedule a garage sale 4-6 weeks in advance of your move.

4. Schedule the Closing

Determine when and where the closing will take place. Scheduling this early will help you manage your time on moving day. Once you know when you will close you will be able to schedule the final walkthrough and hire a moving company.  You can schedule the final walkthrough with your realtor. Ask your realtor and friends for recommendations on moving companies.  Call the companies and obtain a quote a.s.a.p. Clients are often surprised when they call a moving company only to find out they are already booked. Don’t delay on this, call as soon as you can!

5. Packing

There are a few things to keep in mind regarding packing.  First, however many boxes you have trust me, you will need more!  Second, pack one room at a time. Resist the urge to pile as much as you can into each box.  Even if you are hiring a moving company, you should be able to lift each box yourself.  Lastly, label each box with the contents AND the room it’s destined for. This will help the movers unload the van and ensure everything is placed in its proper location.

6. Make travel arrangements for your pets (and plants)

So many people have lost a cat in the move, or spent significant time on moving day looking for the dog that wandered away. Make arrangements for your pets. Drop them off at a friends or a kennel the night before so you can safely retrieve them once everything in is the new home.  You should also make travel arrangements for your plants.  Plants cannot be transported in a trailer or a relocation cube. Stick them in the back of you car if you are local or donate them to a friend if you are making a long distance move.

7. Submit change of address

Submit a chance of address to the post office, banks, credit card companies, magazines, newspapers, etc.

8. Cancel and Add Utilities

This is one of the most often overlooked aspects of moving. Call the utility companies (gas, electric, phone, water, cable, internet, trash, etc.) and provide them with a shut-off and turn-on date for your current and new address.

9. New Home and Auto Insurance

Make a quick phone call to your insurance company to make the appropriate changes to homeowners and auto insurance.

10. Cancel home deliveries

Do you have regular dry cleaning pick up and delivery? Any automatic monthly deliveries? Don’t forget to call and cancel or provide a change of address.

There are certainly many things that can be added, but this is a good starting point.  Remember, if you keep a positive attitude, this really can be fun.  Happy moving!

If you have any questions or comments, or would like help selling or buying a home, please email Paula at Paula.Ostop@raveis.com